Clinical Value of ~(18)F-FDG PET-CT Fusion Imaging in Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization with Lipiodol / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the clinical value of ~(18)F-FDG PET-CT fusion imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolizationTACE)with lipiodol. Methods 15 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma diameter 4～10 cm) were investigated with ~(18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging within three months after TACE. The findings of imaging were compared with the results of anteriography and clinical follow-up.Results After TACE, regions of absent~(18)F-FDG uptakes could be found in all 15 patients. Increased ~(18)F-FDG uptakes could be found in liver of 11 cases. The other 4 patients had no increased~(18)F-FDG uptakes in liver. The regions of increased ~(18)F-FDG uptakes were residual viable tumor confirmed by anteriography and clinical follow-up , and most of them locate around region of absent ~(18) F-FDG uptakes.~(18)F-FDG PET-CT fusion imaging showed that there were no correlation between increased ~(18)F-FDG uptakes and lipiodol dense distribution. After another TACE given or radiotherapy based on ~(18)F-FDG PET-CT fusion imaging, the areas of increased ~(18)F-FDG uptakes reduced or disappeared. In 4 patients without Increased ~(18)F-FDG uptakes ,DSA showed that there were still viable tumor in the peripheral zone of tumor.Conclusion Residual viable tumor can still be found in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after TACE.~(18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging can characterize and locate the most residual viable tumor, monitor response and be a guide in following therapy, but some viable tumor can not be found by ~(18)F-FDG PET-CT imaging.